PPG proudly celebrates the women leading its Packaging Coatings business, driving innovation across sales, technical, marketing and sustainability roles. Let’s meet the women in PPG’s Packaging Coatings business, who share their journeys, challenges and advice for the next generation.

While many women are making their debut in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) jobs each day, women remain underrepresented in STEM roles and have even less representation in STEM leadership roles.

According to the Global Gender Gap report, women make up 29.2% of STEM jobs compared to nearly 50% of non-STEM roles and only 12.4% have C-suite level roles across the 146 nations.

Courtney Deemer

Courtney Deemer, General Manager of the Americas, oversees PPG’s Packaging Coatings business in the United States, Canada, and South America. 

Can you share your journey to your current role at PPG?

“Although I studied Chemical Engineering, my first job was in sales. I progressed through a variety of commercial roles throughout my career, but I stayed in sales because I really enjoy the challenge of understanding our customers’ needs, problems and how we can help support their success. Customers are our lifeblood, and without them, we wouldn’t exist.”

What should young women aspiring to serve in leadership roles do to be successful?

“Build a strong network of peers and leaders to provide guidance. Act as a sounding board for challenges and brainstorms. Be comfortable getting uncomfortable. You can’t be afraid to fail, as that’s where personal growth happens.”

What advice would you give to your younger self?

“Don’t be afraid to speak up and have a voice. It may be intimidating, especially if you don’t fit the mould of everyone else in the room, but diverse thinking often leads to the best ideas and teams!”

Jenica Eisenbach

Jenica Eisenbach, Technical Service Director, is responsible for ensuring Packaging Coatings’ customers receive the best on-site support from our technical service teams.

Tell us about your career path to PPG.

“I previously worked at one of the largest beer companies in the world, where I was fortunate to have many roles within the brewing and packaging process, although I spent a majority of my career on the aluminium packaging side of the business. I got to know PPG and their technical service team through working with them, and when an opportunity to work at PPG emerged, I couldn’t pass it up.”

What are some of the biggest challenges facing the packaging industry today?

“One of the biggest challenges is preparing for the future.  Every change to the can, including the shape, size, fill and reduced materials of concern (MOCs), impacts the coating performance. Our team works diligently to stay knowledgeable about industry changes and customer innovations in order to predict and deliver future solutions.”

What advice would you give to aspiring students?

“Both fields are some of the most innovative and opportunistic fields, and it is fantastic to see an increased interest across young women and previously underrepresented demographics. While highly rewarding, this industry is not for everyone. 

“To rise to the leadership level, you must understand your products and their impact, how to receive feedback (both positive and negative), and how to translate that into what you need to excel. My advice is to learn as much as you can and never stop learning.”

Melissa MacDonald

Melissa MacDonald, Global Sustainability Manager, works with PPG’s Packaging Coatings team and customers to drive sustainable solutions.

What steps did you take to get to your current role at PPG?

“I earned my PhD in organic chemistry, followed by a postdoctoral in chemical biology, which led me to start as a research chemist at PPG’s Coating Innovation Center (CIC). I originally worked in PPG’s Industrial Coatings business, conducting research and collaborating with other scientists, which eventually led to a Product Development Manager role in PPG’s Automotive Coatings business. After four years, I decided to challenge myself in a new industry and joined PPG’s Packaging Coatings business.”

Can you highlight any recent advancements or initiatives that are helping shape the future of packaging solutions? 

“Sustainability-focused consumers are looking to make choices with a lower carbon footprint, and metal packaging is a great option because of its ability to be infinitely recyclable. Coatings are used to protect the metal from the food, beverage, or personal care products contained.

“Because of this, PPG is actively working to ensure our coatings have low carbon footprints and excellent performance that will enable our customers, in many cases, to produce less waste and emissions.”

Any advice to your younger self?

“Be confident and trust your gut. When you trust yourself, you’ll rarely have regrets.”

Viktoria (Viki) Tager

Viktoria (Viki) Tager, Global Strategic Market Manager for Easy-Open Ends (EOE), works closely with the team to deliver solutions to customers.

Tell us about your career path to PPG.

“I had my first internship in the coatings industry when I was sixteen years old, and ever since, I have wanted to focus on developing paint and coatings. This led me to earn my master's degree in Polymer Science and spend the past 18 years in a technical leadership role developing coatings technologies.

“I’m passionate about packaging because it’s one of the most undervalued but technically difficult areas in the coatings industry due to the advanced technology required for food contact approvals, long development timelines and qualification cycles.”

How is the team in PPG’s Packaging Coatings business working to address challenges in the industry through leadership and collaboration?

“Our team collaborates with customers across the entire metal packaging value chain to prepare for the future. We’re also engaged in the industry through a variety of market outlets and events. Most importantly, we develop robust technology that will be around for a long time because of our preparation for the industry’s future.”

What advice would you give young women aspiring to leadership roles in packaging or STEM fields?

“We need you. The industry needs empathetic leaders who can bring balance and the right mindset to handle many moving parts at the same time.”

PPG’s Packaging Coatings business is proud to have many impactful women team members at all levels, many of whom are passionate about helping inspire younger generations to consider a career in STEM jobs across the globe.

From 24^th to 26^th February, the global metal packaging community gathered in Dubai for the first-ever World Can Experience. The event welcomed over 300 professionals, uniting canmakers and suppliers for three days of insightful discussions, technical expertise, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

The Women in Canmaking Association (WICA) was proud to attend and play a significant role in shaping the conversations around inclusivity and diversity within the industry. Representing our non-profit association were Co-founders Janis Osborn and Martha Rojas, who had a fantastic time connecting with women across the sector and exchanging insights.

Dubai meets WICA 

On the afternoon of Wednesday 26^th February, Janis and Martha took to the stage to deliver a presentation introducing WICA, our mission, and our vision for the future. The discussion highlighted the importance of empowering women within the industry and the need for continued advocacy to ensure gender diversity in leadership and technical roles, with insights into WICA’s upcoming event and content program for 2025.

A milestone moment!

 

To our surprise, during Tuesday night’s dinner, Janis and Martha both received a prestigious award for their efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. The recognition served as a testament to WICA’s ongoing mission to foster opportunities for women in canmaking. We couldn't be prouder – these awards are dedicated to the whole team working behind the scenes, including fellow Co-founder Sarah Davison!

2025 success and plans for 2026

World Can Experience’s Director Fernando Fuentes expressed his delight at the overwhelming success of this inaugural edition. “Breaking the 300-attendee mark in our first edition is truly incredible,” he said. “I believe people have appreciated the event as a whole – a young team with innovative ideas and a different, fresh approach.”

With its debut event exceeding expectations, World Can Experience is set to return in 2026, promising even more opportunities for learning, networking, and innovation. For WICA, this event marked an important step in increasing visibility for women in the industry, and we look forward to building on this momentum in future editions.

Thank you for having us, World Can Experience. We look forward to next year’s event!

www.worldcanexperience.com

The Women in Canmaking Association (WICA) couldn't do it without our generous sponsors. From the very start, Steelforce Packaging has stood by us as a proud TrailblazHER Sponsor. But what makes this partnership so meaningful to Steelforce?

Founded in Antwerp Belgium, with offices in Europe, Latam and North America,  Steelforce Packaging is the largest global, non-producing seller of raw materials for metal packaging, backed by over 50 years of expertise in metal trading and exporting. Partnering with top global brands, the company offers coil, sheet, ingot, and slugs, supported by three processing plants, 36 warehouses, and extensive distribution worldwide.

Steelforce believes in the power of diversity and inclusivity to drive innovation and progress in the canmaking and metal packaging sector. This, Senior Marketing Manager Kelley Kaezyk explains, is what inspired the company’s partnership with WICA. “WICA’s mission to support and advance women perfectly with our values,” says Kelley. “By sponsoring WICA, we are investing in a future where diverse voices and perspectives are not only welcomed but are integral to our industry’s growth. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to the success of the sector.”

Supporting and Empowering Women

There are several initiatives to support women at Steelforce. The organisation has implemented targeted recruitment campaigns to attract more female talent and ensure equitable hiring practices. In addition, comprehensive training programs have been established to equip employees with essential skills and leadership qualities.

Empowerment is a key pillar of WICA’s mission, and this also plays a crucial role in Steelforce’s company culture. “We encourage mentorship opportunities that allow experienced leaders to provide guidance, support, and career advice,” states Kelley. “Our training programs focus on critical skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and effective communication. We also encourage participation in industry conferences and workshops to facilitate continuous learning and professional growth.”

Recognizing the need to inspire future generations, Steelforce offers apprenticeships and internships that provide hands-on experience and exposure to the canmaking and metal packaging sector. The company also collaborates with schools and universities to raise awareness about career opportunities in the field.

Employee Success Story: Katty Suarez Gomez

One inspiring story is that of Katty Suarez Gomez, Quality Assistant at Steelforce Packaging Industrial Colombia. With a background in Industrial Production Management and Industrial Engineering, Katty has been instrumental in maintaining quality standards in flexible packaging and food canning packaging since 2014.

At Steelforce, she tackles challenges related to chemical composition, mechanical properties, and equipment parameters with precision and dedication. Katty believes in the power of engineering to create a sustainable and responsible world. “Her contributions and leadership exemplify the significant impact that women bring to our industry, promoting innovation, and progress,” says Kelley.

A Vision for a More Inclusive Future

Looking ahead, Steelforce plans to expand its efforts in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity through long-term initiatives. These include strengthening mentorship and leadership development programs to ensure more women have access to career advancement opportunities. "Our vision is to lead by example and demonstrate that a diverse workforce is a key driver of innovation and success in canmaking and metal packaging," concludes Kelley.

Through its sponsorship of WICA, Steelforce Packaging is playing an active role in fostering a more equitable and dynamic industry. The company’s continued efforts will help shape a future where women’s contributions are recognized, valued, and celebrated across all facets of the canmaking world. We thank you for your continued support.

Industry leaders from the metal packaging sector came together at the International Metal Decorating & Packaging Association (IMDPA) Conference in Itasca, Illinois, USA (24-26 September 2024) to launch the Women in Canmaking Association (WICA).

WICA is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting the advancement of women within the global canmaking industry.

WICA aims to address the gender gap within the canmaking industry, an area of manufacturing where women remain underrepresented. By fostering a supportive community, WICA plans to create opportunities for women to advance at all levels of the industry and cultivate the next generation of female talent.

WICA’s founding members are Sarah LeMoyne-Davidson, Vice President Human Resources at Roeslein & Associates; Martha Rojas, Global Business Development Executive at Roeslein & Associates; and Janis Osborn, Founder of Canmaking News.

Sarah LeMoyne-Davidson shared her excitement about the launch, “The canmaking industry is essential to global manufacturing and women’s contributions in this field are crucial. WICA aims to create a strong foundation for women in metal packaging, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunities and support they need to succeed.”

Martha Rojas echoed these sentiments, “I am delighted to be a part of WICA, an exciting endeavour focused on the global canmaking industry, where women play a vital role but are often underrepresented. Our goal is to drive meaningful change in the industry, reduce the gender gap, and support women in advancing their careers.”

Janis Osborn discussed the industry’s reaction so far, “I am thrilled to be a founding member of WICA. Our initial conversations with our peers in the metal packaging industry have been very positive and it is extremely encouraging to have received support from so many who also see the vital need for an organisation of this kind.”

The Women in Canmaking Association will be rolling out more details in the coming months, including networking opportunities, mentorship programs and initiatives designed to connect women across the industry.